Creating the space for spiritual talk: insights from survivors of haematological malignancies

Abstract

The findings presented in this article are from a recently established research program that aims to make a contributionto health care by using qualitative methodologies to deepen our understanding of the notion of spirituality and todocument appropriate ways of responding to the spiritual issues experienced by those coping with serious illness. Thediscussion focuses predominantly on the insights provided by survivors of haematological malignancies about factorsimpacting on their need to talk about spiritual issues. The aim of presenting the findings is to highlight the importanceof providing the opportunity for patients to talk about spiritual issues and to provide health and allied healthprofessionals with insights on how to deal with this aspect of patient care. The insights provided by the participantsgo a substantial way in outlining the who, what, where and when of providing supportive communication onspiritual issues.